Monday, September 19, 2011

Let faith arise.

Being human is so difficult.
It really, truly is.

I'm so thankful that Jesus pleas on my behalf.
John 8 is so awesome. Knowing that no matter how terrible we are, Jesus is there to intercede. He's not casting blame or putting you to death, instead he is there to offer forgiveness. He is there to love the unlovable. He is not afraid or worried about "guilt by association," he only cares about showing us love and forgiveness, giving us the hope and strength to not want to sin anymore. Jesus gives us hope and a clean slate.

Unforgivable love is so great and I am forever thankful.

There was a great sermon tonight at Newport Church by Judah Smith that focused on this. It was awesome.

God is good.


lovelovehuman

Friday, September 2, 2011

Our God is able.

Beyond thankful that God plans and executes my life. He has far greater plans for me than I could have ever imagined. 
I'm here in Newport Beach, CA. I had no plans to move here until God planted it in my heart. I didn't want to be living here even after I arrived. I have now been here one month and already know that I am, without a single doubt, exactly where I'm supposed to be. Praise be to God for planning my life and providing me the courage to trust in Him. 
The first church I visited ended up being the right place for me. It's awesome because it is a bike ride away, shortly over a mile away from my house. I knew right away that this is from God and that this is good. 
After struggling this month with doubts about God's plan and job situations, I have a job providing me my daily bread which is what I prayed for. A position that would supply me my daily bread--nothing more, nothing less. I don't want to live in excess and that is exactly what God gave me. I believe I didn't get a job for a long while because I had to realize that...I need only my daily bread to survive, nothing more. So that is what I prayed and that is what I received. God is good. 
I am now getting more involved with my church and feeling at home. Excited that there are things nearly every day of the week to stay involved and in fellowship. I believe I am here to become better equipped to further God's kingdom. I'm registering for a year-long ministry internship program with church as well as in a year-long Bible course, and God-willing, go on to complete a second year with Faith Works Bible College through Hillsong Church. 
I am here for a purpose and it is to glorify God. 
God gave us all a commandment, to Go. Go unto the people and further His kingdom. I know that my purpose in life is to love, show true love and to be there for people that feel they are impossible to love. I know that through this, people will get to know and long after God's unconditional love--the very best love one could ask for. 
I am excited for life. I know it will not be easy, for "all who desire to live a Godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:12). But I know that this life is the only life that I can experience real happiness and real purpose. I am so thankful that God has chosen to love me and to send Jesus to die for me just as he has done for you and everyone else. 

Oh, and apart from this topic, I was thinking about this the other day: sometimes I have to remind myself that the stories in the Bible are real. I sometimes get so caught up reading it and everyday life that I start feeling as if they are simply fictional stories. It's crazy remembering and knowing that the God we read about is the same God that loves us today. He is still that powerful and we can experience that so long as we believe and trust in Him. 

God is good. Really. 


loveloveopportunity